Developer Interested In River Property, Town Planner Says

August 25, 1998|By PETER MARTEKA Courant Correspondent

PORTLAND — The town has had a nibble on a parcel of land where a $15 million marina was once proposed.

According to Town Planner Raymond Carpentino, a Hartford-area developer is interested in developing parts of a 45-acre parcel along the Connecticut River. Carpentino discussed the proposal with the economic development commission during its meeting Monday night.

Carpentino said the developer was looking to build 70 houses with walkways and bikeways to the center of town and down to the Connecticut River. Carpentino said the developer did not want his name released.

Carpentino was told the plan is being held up while the town begins its hookup into the Metropolitan District Commission water system. The MDC will supply the town with between 400,000 and 1.1 million gallons by the end of 1999.

``There is a hesitation,'' Carpentino said. ``The developer wants to go back and look at things closer.''

In the late 1980s, Stamford developer Kerry Malloy planned to build a $15 million marina on the parcel. Malloy's proposal, which was the subject of countless hearings in the late 1980s and earlier this decade, called for building 865 boat slips and a 60-foot-wide canal linking the quarry to the river.

When Malloy went into bankruptcy, the 45 acres were taken over by a Florida holding company. Recently, Thomas Logano, president of Logano Trucking, asked to purchase the liens on the property to expand his business. But the board of selectmen turned down his offer.

The economic development commission also reviewed plans for the Sept. 12 Downtown Festival. So far 36 businesses and organizations have signed up for the 52 slots. Commission member David Kaplan said there will also be a special section set up for tag sales.

People will be able to display their wares on tables set up near the town's library. But anyone who wants to set up a table must register at the town's planning office no later than Aug. 31.